The town and port of Nassau, New Providence, Bahama Islands, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by an officer of the 1st West India Regiment. The Bahama Islands...derive a certain political importance from their position, more especially since the blockade of the Southern States by the Federal Army. The port...being at no great distance from the coast of Florida, and commanding the nearest entrance to the navigation of the Gulf of Mexico; with an easy run, moreover, to Bermuda...or to Wilmington, South Carolina...has become a great entrep?t for the blockade-breaking trade...The large gate in the foreground is the entrance to the grounds of Government House. The cathedral is in the centre...The two long buildings seen beyond the cottages in the foreground are the barracks. The harbour is very spacious, and formed by the long strip of rocky ground called "Hog Island"...There is also a dock, in which a "blockader" is seen undergoing repair. The vessel beyond the cathedral tower is the Lizzie...Another blockade-runner is just crossing the bar and coming into port with colours flying, denoting a successful run...it is a common thing to see the steamers come into the port of Nassau with their masts shot away or their hulls pierced by shot. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.